I just went to add someone to my Facebook list. It's someone I've spoken to once on a professional topic, but hey, it was a nice conversation, and information about this person came through my Facebook newsfeed, and if I can have all these friends from my past lives, why not?
This time, however, I got an interesting message from Facebook. The button didn't just say "Send Friend Request"....it asked "Are you Sure You Know Zelda?" (Not her real name). And then, there was a whole disclaimer, which I found to be a bit threatening:
If you send a request to a stranger, it will be considered spam and your friend request will be blocked temporarily. Please only send this request if you know Zelda.
I was about to press the button but I thought, Do I know Zelda? How well do I have to know someone to qualify? I've never actually met Zelda--oh, actually I did pass her on the street in New Orleans during APA, but I was in a rush so I didn't stop and introduce myself and say "Zelda, it's me, Dinah, can I know you now?" I decided that one phone conversation was enough, and that I know Zelda. Maybe she'll agree, but if she doesn't that's fine. I just hate being threatened with a "spam" designation. I'm many things, but Spam I'm not.
FaceBook is sure 2-faced. I get TONS of "friends" suggested to me, I assume by FaceBook who are just friends of friends. I don't think they ever heard of me nor do I think they WANT to be my friend, I think FaceBook must just send pictures of "friends" of "friends" trying to increase usage and interconnectedness. I either ignore those or delete. I also have gotten "friend" requests sent by 8th grade students of mine! I think thata teacher "friending" a student may be even more inappropriate than a pdoc "friending" a psych patient. Anyway, ignore the warning. FaceBook is a free-for-all.
ReplyDeleteI just wanna know if she accepts your request ^^
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing such nice posts. Your blog is always fascinating to read. I think thata teacher "friending" a student may be even more inappropriate than a pdoc "friending" a psych patient.Friend is great,and friend is all of above.
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